"The artist...is also a born adventurer. His explorations, unlike those of a tourist, are rewarded by the discovery of beauty spots unmentioned in the guide books, and with tireless curiosity and an exceptional proneness to wonderment, he will come upon objects of remarkable interest overlooked or even shunned by more disciplined observers."

Augustus John, R.A.




Tuesday 24 May 2011

Lime Hawk Moth



Lime Hawk Moth Mimas tiliae.
Pencil, watercolour and pen and ink.

A male I think, judging by its small size and strong colouration. However if anyone reading this knows better I stand to be corrected.

I found it dead on the path by the back door as I went out this morning. Possibly a victim of last nights strong winds and rain. A bit battered with its left antenna missing. It's the first one of this species that I have ever seen.

4 comments:

Jennifer Tetlow said...

I've looked this up, as I didn't know and according to Bernard Skinner (Illustrations David Wilson) in Moths of the British Isles it is a Lime Hawk-moth. Size would suggest male, but the body fatness looks female. Anyway lovely sketch and I've learned a lot, thanks.

Keith Tilley said...

That's a very nice field note Stuart.

Stuart Brocklehurst said...

Hi Jennifer,
The body size had me confused too but going by what I can glean from the internet, I don't think the markings would have been quite so prominent on a female.

Stuart Brocklehurst said...

Thanks Keith